At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2006 ended (badly), and how it foreshadowed 2007, which wasn't that great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2007 was ending was way better, 2008 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Academically, of course, we had the big one. The A levels came and went. I think I improved since last year, and hopefully I did well. Some moments in class were really priceless, and of course, the numerous mugging sessions at the Esplanade and the airport will be remembered.
However, I think academics were a minor part of my year. So many things have happened, and I shall attempt to broadly categorise them into a few areas.
Travel wise, this year was a bumper year for me, visiting Japan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries, experience their cultures and scenery and in the case of Japan, meet new people and exchange ideas. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. Some of them (Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines) have been wonderful, others (Cathay Pacific) less so. Still, it's not every year one gets to fly 3 new types.
Musically, this year for me has shown great improvements in my personal standard. January saw some minor events here and there, while March had Play 08, which was a light and refreshing event. May saw A Tempo XIX, the highlight of the year in RJCSB. However, I must say that while it was a great concert, for me, I found it slightly lacking in terms of emotion and feelings on my part, which I can't really explain much. In June, RIMB went to Japan, ending a 3 year long wait. I really enjoyed that trip, and I hope, however unlikely, that I can experience something similar in future. July saw SIBF, a less than ideal finish to my band life under Mr Oura, who I dearly miss, but also saw the start of Rwinds practices. As a committee member for Rwinds, I found myself more heavily involved in Coda IV compared to previous Codas. Of course, this meant more work, sometimes more than I could handle. Despite this, our efforts paid off in what may well be the best concert of my life to me. In Coda IV I found a passion for music I had lost in A Tempo, and for the first time I found myself really tearing on stage. The band played well, not technically as well as A Tempo or JCBF, but with emotion and fervour I've rarely seen.
Of course, the most important developments are in friendship. There are a few people who I have to acknowledge, and in alphabetical order (except for the most important) they are (apologies if I offend anyone, but I bet no one reads this anyway):
Ben - I regret not getting to know him in RIMB, because he's been a great friend so far, offering invaluable advice from a different perspective. It was great to play with him, and the rest of his batch, in Coda and I hope I continue to have that privilege
Bertrand - I haven't been able to see him much this year, inevitable I suppose given our difference in batch. Still, we remain good friends, and comrades in our love for aviation. I look forward to flying more with him in the future.
Calvin - Been seeing a lot more of him the past year, and we've grown closer. I think I may sometimes overlook him, but recently he's been a very good friend, always being there when I needed someone. I still distinctly remember coming out of arrivals after an extremely distressing flight from Dubai and seeing him there, then just running over and hugging him tight. I must thank him for all he's done for me.
Jerald - He's been another great junior and friend to me so far, and I commend him on his exemplary leadership of the RIMB this year. I suppose I have him to thank for the wonderful Japan trip and for a great job emceeing Coda too.
Jeremy - I guess in 2007 we sort of drifted apart, but I'm lucky to have re-forged our friendship this year. I guess when you've known each other for six years, such friendships die hard, and I hope it continues to improve.
Meiyi - One of the most important new relationships I've forged over this year, and we've spent some times together, both trying (during the A levels) and fun (Our trip to
Paul - Still the same bubbly guy as ever. I must admit that at times I found him a little insensitive perhaps, but I put that down to my own insecurity and a bit of selfishness I guess. He's been a great friend to me though, and I sincerely hope that continues.
Shuotian - How I wish we could have played together in Coda, but due to extenuating circumstances that was not possible. He's one of the few people I've had no doubts about, and one of the people I feel I can really depend upon.
Shuyi - I guess we've really drifted apart in the later half of the year, but the bond of friendship we shared in the first half is something I still cherish, and perhaps wish I still have.
To round off this whole post, there is someone special who I must thank greatly, because I don't think I could have survived the year without him. I started the year probably regarding him as an acquaintance of sorts, but now, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's followed me almost all the way, even as far as Hong Kong and KL. He's offered invaluable support during the hardest periods of the year, and was there to share all the happy moments too, not to mention teaching me a lot of stuff about music, photography and a whole lot of other things. I don't know how I'll ever repay him for what he's done. I hope, though it's not very likely, that we'll be able to share our journey through NS together, as well as other fun times in the future. I don't think I need to mention who this person is, because I'm sure he knows. If you're reading this, I don't know how I can express my feelings in a few words, but I'll try. Thanks, thanks for everything.
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